The Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP, will address some of the challenges faced by modern parliaments and representatives across the Commonwealth, in the era of the digital revolution and 'disruptive' technology. Has digital increased expectations and demands of the citizen to such a degree that it is time for a new model of representative democracy or is the impact over-hyped?

To help consider these and other questions, the Speaker established a special commission, the Digital Democracy Commission, which will report in January 2015, the UK Parliament's 750th birthday. The UK Parliament is generally regarded as one of the world leaders in the use of social media for promoting engagement with the public but there is always room for improvement and to learn lessons from others outside the UK.

The objective of the Speaker’s Commission on Digital Democracy is to consider and make recommendations on how parliamentary democracy in the United Kingdom can embrace the opportunities afforded by the digital world to become more effective in: representing the people, making laws, scrutinising the work and performance of government, encouraging citizens to engage with democracy and facilitating dialogue amongst citizens.

In addition, the Commission aims to consider the implications for Parliament if it is to become more relevant to the increasingly diverse population it seeks to serve.

Admission free – bookings not required
Inquiries to International and Parliamentary Relations Office:
Phone (02) 6277 4340 or email ipro@aph.gov.au

Live stream available at www.aph.gov.au/live
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This event is presented by the Australian Parliament in association with the ANU Centre for European Studies.